Hydroxocobalamin is used to treat and prevent certain types of anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body) due to deficiency in cobalamin (vitamin B12).
This medicine is also used to treat tobacco amblyopia (poor eyesight caused by toxins such as tobacco) and Leber's atrophy (an eye condition that affects the nerve at the back of the eye leading to loss of central vision).
Hydroxocobalamin injection is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your condition and response to the medication.
Hydroxocobalamin must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Hydroxocobalamin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Hydroxocobalamin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine, cobalt, or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- infection
- uraemia (a serious condition that occurs when kidneys become damaged and toxins build up in the blood)
- folic acid (vitamin B9) or iron deficiency
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Hydroxocobalamin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. complete blood count, kidney or liver function tests, urinalysis), inform your doctor that you are using Hydroxocobalamin.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Evaluation of vitamin B12, folate, or iron blood levels may be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood cell count, blood potassium levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of skin or allergic reactions may also be needed.
Hydroxocobalamin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, chills, tremor, hot flushes, urine discolouration, and injection site reactions (e.g. pain, redness, swelling).
You may experience redness of the skin and this medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps while your skin is red.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- itchy, blistered, dry and cracked skin
- extreme tiredness; muscle pain, weakness, or cramps, abnormal heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- chloramphenicol (antibiotic)
- folic acid (vitamin B9) supplements
- birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Hydroxocobalamin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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